We have 2 orthodontists in our area which donate. One gives $250 off treatment cost to a new patient. The other gives $750 off treatment cost to a new patient. Both are in private practice. The dollar off amount is off the patient's amount owed after any insurance payments are received.
I really like the teacher birthday party idea. I'm trying to get a list of suggestions together for teachers to consider donating as part of the auction.
We actually have better luck with gift certifiates many times than actual physical donations. It might seem like a minor thing but we really did find our certificates went better when we mounted them on scrapbook paper and put them up on plate stands (we found some at the dollar store). It seems like it just made them more noticable.
Restaurant certificates grouped together always go for a high amount or over value as well. We've done lunch out and dinner out certificate trees.
Dining and Wine donations typically return a very high percentage of the value - often over 100 percent. (Wine may not be an appropriate item though if your event is being held at the school.) Services on the other hand typically don't do well. I think you will also find that physical items at an event do better than gift certificates or where you don't have the actual item at the event.
I am looking for information on auctioning orthodontia. I spoke briefly today to my doctor who is willing to consider such a donation. She wants to see something written as to how it would be structured. Does anyone have any details on how they have done this in the past? How long is the award good for? Is it just a flat dollar or percentage off or "free"? But what if the person has covered insurance? Any feedback would be great.
Our school is a small private Montessori school and has been doing silent auctions for years. Some of our popular items are vacation homes that school families own also a class basket with donations for the theme of "A few of our favorite things" like the song.
I was wondering if using the software Cmarket has helped increase your fundraising?
